iPhone 12 Mini vs iPhone 11​ – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

iPhone 12 Mini & iPhone 11 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the iPhone 12 Mini rather than the iPhone 11.

Why Do I Recommend The iPhone 12 Mini

  • The iPhone 12 mini features a Super Retina XDR OLED display for deeper blacks, higher contrast, and sharper image quality, whereas the iPhone 11 uses a Liquid Retina LCD display.
  • iPhone 12 mini has a higher 2340 × 1080 pixels resolution for clearer text, sharper visuals, and more immersive video playback, while the iPhone 11 has a lower 1792 × 828 pixels resolution.
  • It comes with the A14 Bionic chip for faster processing, improved AI performance, and better power efficiency, whereas the iPhone 11 uses the older A13 Bionic chip.
  • The iPhone 12 mini supports 5G connectivity for faster downloads, lower latency in gaming, and smoother video streaming, while the iPhone 11 supports only 4G LTE.
  • iPhone 12 mini includes Night Mode on both wide and ultra-wide cameras for capturing brighter, clearer low-light photos, whereas the iPhone 11 has Night Mode only on the wide camera.
  • It supports Dolby Vision HDR video recording up to 4K at 30 fps for more cinematic and color-accurate footage, whereas the iPhone 11 records only in standard HDR.
  • The iPhone 12 mini comes with a Ceramic Shield front for significantly better drop resistance and durability, while the iPhone 11 uses standard glass.
  • The iPhone 12 mini supports MagSafe charging for easier alignment and compatibility with magnetic accessories, whereas the iPhone 11 supports only standard Qi wireless charging.

Maybe the iPhone 11 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the iPhone 12 Mini. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Side By Side Comparison

FeatureiPhone 12 MiniiPhone 11
Display TypeSuper Retina XDR OLEDLiquid Retina HD LCD
Resolution2340 × 1080 pixels1792 × 828 pixels
Pixel Density476 ppi326 ppi
Contrast Ratio2,000,000:11,400:1
HDR SupportHDR10 and Dolby VisionLimited HDR playback
Peak Brightness1200 nits (HDR)625 nits
ChipsetA14 Bionic (5 nm)A13 Bionic (7 nm)
Neural Engine16-core8-core
Connectivity5G + Gigabit LTE4G LTE only
SIM SupportDual SIM (nano + eSIM, with 5G)Dual SIM (nano + eSIM, 4G only)
Body MaterialCeramic Shield front with aerospace-grade aluminumStandard glass front with aluminum
ChargingMagSafe + Qi wirelessQi wireless only
Fast Charging20W adapter support18W adapter support
Front Camera Features12 MP with Night Mode and Deep Fusion12 MP without Night Mode
Audio ZoomEnhanced with HDR videoStandard
Face ID TechFaster, improvedPrevious generation
PriceCheck iPhone 12 Mini PriceCheck iPhone 11 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Rear Camera System: Both the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 11 feature a dual-camera setup with 12 MP wide and ultra-wide lenses, giving users flexibility to capture both expansive landscapes and detailed shots without additional lenses.
  • Wide Camera Aperture: Both smartphones include an f/1.8 wide-angle lens, allowing more light into the sensor to produce brighter and clearer images, especially in dimly lit environments.
  • Ultra-Wide Aperture: Each model carries an f/2.4 ultra-wide lens, enabling users to capture wider frames for group photos and architectural shots without distortion.
  • Front Camera Resolution: Both devices are equipped with a 12 MP TrueDepth front camera, ensuring sharp selfies, accurate face recognition, and consistent video quality across FaceTime calls.
  • Portrait Mode: Each phone supports Portrait Mode with advanced bokeh and depth control, helping users create professional-looking photos that highlight the subject against a blurred background.
  • Portrait Lighting: Both models feature six portrait lighting effects such as Studio Light and Stage Light, allowing creative adjustments to portrait photography.
  • Video Recording: Both iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 11 can record 4K video at up to 60 frames per second, providing smooth, high-quality footage suitable for professional or personal use.
  • Slo-Mo Video: Each device supports 1080p slow-motion recording at 120 fps and 240 fps, giving users the ability to create dramatic action replays with crisp detail.
  • Audio Recording: Both smartphones record in stereo audio, resulting in richer, more immersive sound when capturing video content.
  • Smart HDR: Both models include Smart HDR technology, which enhances highlights, shadows, and details in images to make photos look more balanced and lifelike.
  • Face ID: Each iPhone includes Face ID powered by the TrueDepth camera system, ensuring secure authentication and quick unlocking through facial recognition.
  • Wireless Charging: Both devices support Qi wireless charging, letting users recharge without cables using a wide range of wireless charging pads.
  • Fast Charging: Both models can recharge up to 50% in about 30 minutes when paired with a compatible power adapter, making them practical for quick top-ups during busy days.

Common Features

FeatureiPhone 12 MiniiPhone 11
Rear Camera SystemDual 12 MP wide + ultra-wideDual 12 MP wide + ultra-wide
Wide Camera Aperturef/1.8 wide lensf/1.8 wide lens
Ultra-Wide Aperturef/2.4 ultra-wide lensf/2.4 ultra-wide lens
Front Camera Resolution12 MP TrueDepth12 MP TrueDepth
Portrait ModeSupported with advanced bokeh and depth controlSupported with advanced bokeh and depth control
Portrait LightingSix lighting effectsSix lighting effects
Video Recording4K up to 60 fps4K up to 60 fps
Slo-Mo Video1080p at 120/240 fps1080p at 120/240 fps
Audio RecordingStereo recordingStereo recording
Smart HDRSupportedSupported
Face IDYes, TrueDepth cameraYes, TrueDepth camera
Wireless ChargingQi standardQi standard
Fast Charging50% in ~30 minutes with adapter50% in ~30 minutes with adapter
Storage Options64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB
Price Check iPhone 12 Mini Price Check iPhone 11 Price

FAQ

Which phone has the better display, iPhone 12 mini or iPhone 11?
The iPhone 12 mini has a Super Retina XDR OLED display with higher resolution, sharper pixel density, and HDR support, making visuals more vibrant and detailed compared to the iPhone 11’s Liquid Retina HD LCD display.

Is the iPhone 12 mini smaller than the iPhone 11?
Yes, the iPhone 12 mini has a 5.4-inch screen and a compact form factor that makes it easier to use one-handed, while the iPhone 11 has a larger 6.1-inch display and heavier build.

Which phone supports 5G connectivity?
The iPhone 12 mini supports 5G networks for faster downloads, smoother streaming, and improved connectivity, while the iPhone 11 is limited to 4G LTE.

Which device has better performance?
The iPhone 12 mini is powered by the A14 Bionic chip built on a 5 nm process, which delivers faster processing speeds and better efficiency, while the iPhone 11 uses the A13 Bionic chip on a 7 nm process.

Which iPhone has longer battery life?
The iPhone 11 lasts longer with up to 17 hours of video playback thanks to its larger 3110 mAh battery, while the iPhone 12 mini has a smaller 2227 mAh battery that supports up to 15 hours.

Does the iPhone 12 mini support MagSafe charging?
Yes, the iPhone 12 mini supports MagSafe charging and accessories for secure magnetic attachment, whereas the iPhone 11 does not include MagSafe support.

Are the rear cameras the same on both models?
Both phones include a dual 12 MP wide and ultra-wide system, but the iPhone 12 mini improves low-light performance with Night Mode available on all cameras, while the iPhone 11 limits Night Mode to the wide lens only.

Which front camera is better?
Both devices feature a 12 MP TrueDepth camera, but the iPhone 12 mini includes Night Mode and Deep Fusion on the front camera, enhancing selfies and low-light shots compared to the iPhone 11.

How do the video capabilities compare?
The iPhone 12 mini supports Dolby Vision HDR recording up to 4K at 30 fps, giving more cinematic results, while the iPhone 11 records in standard HDR up to 4K at 60 fps.

Which device is more durable?
The iPhone 12 mini uses Ceramic Shield technology on the front glass, which Apple claims is more resistant to drops, while the iPhone 11 uses standard strengthened glass.

Do both phones support Face ID?
Yes, both the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 11 use the TrueDepth camera system with Face ID for secure unlocking and authentication.

Which phone is lighter?
The iPhone 12 mini weighs just 135 grams, making it one of the lightest premium iPhones, while the iPhone 11 weighs 194 grams, making it noticeably heavier in the hand.

What is the difference in water resistance?
The iPhone 12 mini is rated IP68 for water resistance up to 6 meters for 30 minutes, while the iPhone 11 is also IP68 but only up to 2 meters for 30 minutes.

What are the storage options available?
Both the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 11 are available in 64 GB, 128 GB, and 256 GB storage variants, offering the same flexibility for users who need different capacities.

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